Equip Your Kitchen

Getting married is a wonderful thing. I got several kitchen items that I NEVER would have afforded (or bothered to buy) on my own. However, I still find that there are only a few basics I regularly use. If you are fairly new to cooking, or looking to reinvest in a few key pieces, here's what I would recommend as the most crucial items:


Skillets - I would suggest 2 in two different sizes. If one is oven-safe, that's a big plus.
Sauce pan - at least one medium-sized
Stock pot
Cookie sheet
Grill topper - a must-have for grilling veggies
casserole dishes - at least one round and one square
9x13 pan - for brownies! (and other things)
Crockpot - a medium-sized one is sufficient. I think mine is only 2 quarts.
Blender - I tend to use my Magic Bullet for small projects. But any blender or food processor would be useful, I'm sure.
Toaster
Mixer - can be a hand or stand mixer. Whatever you (or your budget) prefers.
Some good knives in at least 2 different sizes.
Assorted spatulas, spoons, tongs, measuring tools and kitchen scissors are also must-haves.


The blogger over Amateur Gourmet had a more specific list. But I took one look at the prices and thought "no way!"


Thank goodness I immediately found this story from NBC's Today show, explaining how to equip a kitchen with only $200.


To tell the truth, I cooked with old hand-me-down pots and pans just fine for several years. While it's nice to have good quality, I don't think it's necessary. As long as you have something the generally resembles the required equipment... you're ok ;)